RUIDOSO – Sarah Cordova had planned on attending school after graduation from Ruidoso High. Going on a golf scholarship would be a bonus.

On May 14, she signed documents to do just that, accepting a scholarship to play for and attend Lubbock Christian University.

Photo by Todd Fuqua Ruidoso senior Sarah Cordova tees off at the Class 4A/1A State tournament at Albuquerque, May 8. Cordova signed a letter of intent to attend Lubbock Christian University on a golf scholarship in the fall.

“I was looking at smaller schools that would fit my level of play,” Cordova said. “Lubbock Christian is Division II, and I wasn’t expecting that. But it’s the kind of school that fits my needs as an athlete as well as academically.”

Cordova – who also was a cheerleader in the fall and winter – said the transition to Lubbock is perfect for a small-resort-town girl like herself.

“It’s the perfect big-little city,” Cordova said. “It’s not starting out too big. Now I can dip my feet in the water and see what the college world is all about.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without all my coaches, from cheer to golf, all this wonderful family,” Cordova said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their words of encouragement and support.”

One fan in particular has been particularly important to her.

“Without my mom, I wouldn’t be doing half the things I’ve done in my life,” Cordova said of her mother, Brenda, who can always be found at Ruidoso athletic events with camera in hand. “I wouldn’t have been driving to see the coach I see in Roswell, and I never would have gone to Lubbock.

“She’s been there since day one, through every step of the process,” she added. “Without her I couldn’t have accomplished it.”